4 secret savings techniques for over-40s you may not have known

There are plenty of secret ways to save on everyday expenses – so today, we're taking a look at some, and sharing them with you!

Everyone loves to save money or score a bargain.

So today, we take a look at some of the ways you can get access to discounts that you might not have known about.

1. Sign up for exclusive card memberships

One of the easiest ways to score a bargain, get discounts or early access to savings is by signing up to an exclusive card membership.

Some of the most popular include Flybuys, Everyday Rewards and Qantas Frequent Flyer. All of these loyalty program cards entitle you to certain benefits across a range of different retailers.

But there are other options out there too. So let's take a closer look at Citro as an example.

Citro is a membership program open to over-40s that provides access to a range of different discounts, offers and cashback entitlements from more than 200 brands.

As part of the program, you also receive a Citro Card. This links directly to your existing bank account, and can then be used in the same way as a credit or debit card.

When you use your Citro Card to pay in affiliated stores, you'll automatically have any relevant discounts or cashback applied.

Find out more about how you can join Citro

2. Understand the value of points vs cashback

Many programs offer you the ability to accrue points. Depending on the program, these points can then be exchanged for other items or discounts further down the track.

Others offer cashback. Both approaches have their advantages, but it's important to think about the longer-term applications.

For example, the redemption value of points can change over time.

However, cashback can't really lose its value once it's been credited to you.

Let's look at Citro as an example of a membership that offers cashback.

When you pay for items using the Citro Card, any relevant discounts or cashbacks are automatically applied to the transaction. Cashback earned is then accrued on the card, with the balance viewable via the Citro App.

Through the Citro App, you can then toggle the ability to use the cashback you've earned on your next purchase. You're able to spend this cashback anywhere – even at stores that aren't specifically Citro partners.

Learn more about cashback via Citro Card

3. Stack offers for extra savings

Store-specific memberships are increasingly common these days. So if you've got a favourite retailer, it's always worth checking to see if they have a membership that can score you a bonus for shopping with them.

It's always worth looking for ways to combine multiple offers within the one store, too. For example, you might be able to score cashback while purchasing an item that's already on sale.

This applies to the Citro Card, too. As a general rule, you should be able to use your Citro Card in conjunction with any in-store program that Citro partners run.

Learn more about shopping with Citro partners

4. Become part of an online community

Another way to score bargains is to join an online community. Social media sites like Facebook are full of savvy shopper groups, with community-sourced content about some of the best deals around.

Some in-store and card memberships will also give you access to a range of email subscriptions. These can provide key information about upcoming sales, access to customer-only discounts and other opportunities for bargains.

Citro is one membership that offers both of these services.

When you become a member, you'll receive the Citro newsletter once a week. This contains a range of deals and offers for subscribers. It also includes information about healthy living, travel and finances.

Additionally, you'll receive access to the Citro online community. You'll then be able to get access to deals in real time, and be notified when new sales or offers go live.

Having this type of access can allow you to unlock a whole range of savings you may not have realised were possible before.

Find out how you can join the Citro online community

Discover how you can score offers and cashback through Citro